Violence Decreases, Tension Remains

[JM]

"By God's grace and many people's prayer, the situation in Orissa is becoming normal," Gospel for Asia's correspondent in Orissa, India, wrote on December 31.

As many as 15 people died in the violence against Orissa's Christian community during the Christmas season.

According to reports from Indian newspaper The Hitavada, the violent situation has calmed down. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that the government "will not tolerate any efforts aimed at disturbing the communal harmony," and "will take all necessary steps to protect all citizens irrespective of community or caste," the Hitavada quoted.

But tensions still run high. Just a few days ago, GFA missionary Matish Junni, who was beaten and humiliated by an extremist mob, received word that his house had been destroyed. His wife and children are safe, however, and they are staying with a relative.

"The condition outside is very bad," GFA's correspondent wrote that day. "People are walking around with swords."

On December 30, the situation was improving, but still dangerous.

"Many families in a nearby village had to flee for their lives to the safety of the jungle," GFA's correspondent wrote. "More than 20 houses were destroyed by the militants. But police officials have taken the initiative to give the families warm clothes and food.

"The situation today is much better."

Our correspondent said that four church buildings have been damaged, but two that were believed to be destroyed are actually still standing. He reports that all the Christians who attend these churches are safe-but that it is still dangerous enough that even several Catholic nuns have begun dressing in normal clothing out of fear of being targeted by anti-Christians.

While tensions are slowly easing and "returning to normal," our correspondent still eagerly requests prayer.

"Please continue to pray for God's protection and peace upon this state," he wrote.